Nearly 70 per cent of respondents said they disapproved of MacDonald’s performance, while only 20 per cent approved. Exactly half the people said their opinion of the premier worsened over the course of the campaign.

NDP Leader Darrell Dexter has the highest approval ratings at 57 per cent, followed by Liberal Leader Stephen McNeil at 40 per cent.

Only 46 per cent of respondents who voted for the Tories in 2006 say they will do so again this election. Meanwhile, the NDP have broadened their support and scored higher than other parties on every issue mentioned — the economy, environment, health care, education, crime and seniors care.

The poll involved 800 people reached this Monday and Tuesday and were considered accurate within 3.5 percentage points 19 times out of 20.